Surrounded by "alleluias," the text presents the good news of Easter: Christ is risen! In this hymn we sing Pauline phrases that proclaim the new life we have in the risen Christ.

Donald E. Fishel (b. Hart, MI, 1950) composed both text and tune "rather spontaneously" during the summer of 1971 in a house on Church Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The hymn was first sung in services of the Word of God Community in Ann Arbor, a charismatic Roman Catholic congregation that Fishel had then recently joined; he later served that community as publications editor of Servant Music (1973-1981). Fishel received a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education from the University of Michigan in 1972 and a degree in computer science from Eastern Michigan University in 1983. Since then he has worked in the computer industry.

Liturgical Use:
Easter; suitable for many other occasions, including baptism and profession of faith.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

CHURCH STREET has an ABA form with the A line being the antiphon or refrain. Also well known as ALLELUIA NO.1, CHURCH STREET is a simple but effective folk-like tune.

Sing without pauses between the refrain and its stanzas. The setting is for harmony singing on the refrain and unison singing on the stanzas. See Hymnal 1982 for a setting in the key of E with descant and piano accompaniment. Try using this hymn as an acclamation with the gospel reading during the Easter season: each Sunday during that season sing the refrain, a different stanza, and the refrain again. Make sure organ accompaniment is light; other instruments such as guitar, piano, and flute also work well.